ARTICLE UPDATE 2/27/25:
The University of Houston Board of Regents approved the acceleration of the second phase of an $18 million security project following a spike in campus crime and subsequent demands to enhance campus safety.
The UH System Board approved an increase in contract authority to allow for the immediate continuation of lighting and security enhancements, according to a press release from the school. The project includes installing 400 new lighting assets and nearly 200 surveillance cameras across the campus. It also includes the installation of 42 emergency call stations and security kiosks.
“By fast-tracking phase two, we are addressing priority areas of campus and reinforcing our commitment to safety and ensuring that our campus community benefits from enhanced security measures as soon as possible,” Raymond Bartlett, the university’s senior vice president for administration and finance, wrote in a statement. “This project is a significant step in creating a safe environment for all.”
The first phase of the project, which focused on residential housing and perimeter parking areas, is nearly complete, the university says.
Earlier this month, three people were assaulted on campus in a four-day period, including one student who was sexually assaulted at knife point in a student parking garage. The crimes prompted a campus-wide protest on Feb. 12.
In addition to security enhancements, protesters demanded that the school establish a sexual health task force to address issues related to sexual violence and prevention, and restore free self-defense classes previously offered by the school, Houston Public Media reports.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE 2/11/25:
HOUSTON — The University of Houston (UH) announced it will increase security measures following three violent incidents in a four-day period.
Around 6 p.m. Friday, a student was sexually assaulted on the second floor of the Welcome Center student parking garage, Houston Public Media reports. A man forced the victim into her vehicle and threatened her with a knife, according to a university security alert issued just over an hour after the incident. On Saturday, UH Police announced the suspect was arrested Friday night near the scene.
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On Feb. 5, a student who was waiting for an elevator inside the same parking garage was assaulted and robbed of their scooter. The day prior, another student was attacked and robbed at the UH South-University Oaks Metro Rail platform.
Senior Asaunte Powell told KHOU that the Welcome Center parking garage has been targeted in the past.
“Last year, someone broke into my car, shattered my window, didn’t take anything because I didn’t have anything to steal,” she said.
University of Houston Students Demand More Security
An online petition that has garnered nearly 8,000 signatures is calling for added security, including increased security personnel, increase surveillance systems, increased lighting, working emergency stations, and transparent communication regarding safety and security incidents.
Effective Feb. 10, the university police department increased security presence across campus parking structures and assigned four officers to patrol the Welcome Center garage 24/7, citing its proximity to the Metro Light Rail Line. Campus officials said the University of Houston Executive Steering Committee on Safety and Security will also develop a comprehensive plan “with both immediate and long-term strategies to address safety concerns.”
“I worry about my safety all the time, literally have pepper spray. Didn’t really feel the need to use it, but you never know now and that’s not okay,” said student Aisha Freeman. “I’m glad that they have more security, but I wish that it steps were taken prior to Friday.”
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UH Police said they are actively investigating the attacks in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and are urging students, faculty, and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by calling them or 911.
“Campus safety is not just a priority— it is a responsibility we take seriously,” University of Houston President Renu Khator wrote in an email Saturday. “We are listening. We are acting. Our campus must remain a safe learning and working environment, and we will not tolerate criminal activity on our campus.”
